Dan
Thanks for your reply, which I think is pretty good, but I would like to add a point.
I think that you have to be very careful about mock exams.
IMO there are two main reasons why people take mock exams: -
1) to familiarise themselves with exam-like conditions so that they can cope with thinking quickly and working under time pressure.
2) to assess their progress.
I think that they can certainly help as far as 1) is concerned - like all things taking exams generally improves with practice.
As an exercise in assessing progress, mocks can be misleading. Apart from the fact that some mock exams contain incorrect answers, there is also the issue of the level that they are pitched at. Some mocks are much harder than the actual test and and could deter a candidate unnecessarily.
If your ONLY goal is to pass the exam, then I would say "Sure take mock exams to gain familiarality for the exam, but don't worry about the results". They're also useful for looking at the material from slightly different angles, which can prove helpful in the real exam. If you've got the time then use mocks to locate your weak areas and work through your incorrect answers until you understand what the correct answer should be.
However if you can pass the K&B chapter end questions AT ONE SITTING then you can PASS the exam (you might not get a high score, but you can pass).
If however you have other goals like getting 100% then tougher mocks are essential. I did take a quick look at some of your tests and they look pretty good; I like the format, which allows you to work back through the questions and answers to double-check and if neccessary compile and run the questions to verify the result absolutely.
As far as candidates running out of time is concerned, there should be no reason for this to occur if they are familiar with the material and use their time wisely - the exam is not that hard.
Mike
really pleased I don't have to take the
SCJP again.